Two more:
(A person may easily fit into more than one of our categories)

* The crapped-upon

Forced out of their past job by an unholy blend of constructive dismissal / bullying / harassment / discrimination, and all the rest.

Struggling to find a job where the resultant-yet-innocent CV gap of years forcibly stuck on a part-time contract, followed by a year out sick, isn't a problem.

Doesn't fit neatly into any 'high profile / government spin' box so is seldom a priority. Usually on antidepressants, being (barely) treated by the NHS.

With tragic irony, these are some of the most hardworking, dedicated, reliable people you could hope to employ. But inevitably someone senior took a personal dislike, and placed their ego before decency, law, and their mutual employers interests.

* The overqualified

Keys in preferences to machine. No relevant results. Acceptance.
Keys in less specific preferences. No relevant results. Irritation.
Keys in basic preferences. Looks at reams of irrelevant results, and dies a little more inside.

Starts looking through page after page of schizophrenic job specifications: Usually just minimum wage; but expecting 'flexibility' (read: only a part time contract, but your hours will be altered or extended on a whim, probably different every week, so you can forget about domestic responsibilities or taking a second position to make ends meet), 'experience' (always 'needed' or 'useful' - barely anyone is willing to train their own staff, just leech of someone elses investment), 'willing to travel/own transport' (as if you can afford to buy or run a car on what they're offering).

Can be heard muttering to themselves "But I've got a Biology Diploma..." as they look at yet another McJob. Will snort with scorn whenever government plans/fudges to increase the number of uni graduates are mentioned - how much education do you need to work in a call centre or retail, which is where all the jobs are; since our heavy industry and engineering was gutted by The Ironing Lady?
(The Incredible Sulk Finally remembered his password on, Fri 3 Apr 2009, 14:29, 2 replies)

Considerably
more detailed and cynical than my post... I like it :)
( Noeli overtheshoulderboulderholderthingstraplatchboobs, Fri 3 Apr 2009, 14:37, closed)

The Crapped Upon
I honestly thought that "Short Man Syndrome" was a myth before I met him.
Favourite quotes:
Upon finding something mildly to his distaste: "You see sunray18, this is why I think you're a cunt." In front of an office full of people. I was gutted, demorolised and felt generally shit. And then it started. I had the honour of being promoted to what was going to be his position when he handed his notice in. The MD persuaded him to stay, so I ended up working directly under him. It took him 5 months to get rid of me. He lied about me (I've seen the paperwork, but only managed to get a copy of one document) to the MD, set me up and gave no support whatsoever, even though (I think anyway) I was one of the best and achieved good results (even if I am a little weird!). I was sacked on the spot for one minor alleged infraction (Being 6 foot tall?). I was glad to get out. He even told my colleagues I was a nonce after I left.

Being jobless and demorolised and feeling sorry for myself weren't good. It was so bad that I didn't even sign on as I felt I didn't deserve it for being sacked combined with the ethos that you shouldn't rely on the state and work for a living (can't figure that out - I grew up in a council house!). Cue doing as many Clinical Trials as possible to support myself.

At the start of this year I started a McJob (my first job was a McJob at the same restaurant) and I can honestly say "I'm lovin' it." The managers are good, the staff are brilliant, the customer's are mostly good and a laugh. It's flexible and fun and I really feel good about myself. The say it's easier to find a job when you already have one. It's more money than the dole and I feel better about everything.

Sorry there's no funny, couldn't think of one.

P
(sunray18, Sun 5 Apr 2009, 12:25, closed)